Medicare beneficiaries will have the chance to get personalized help from APPRISE Medicare counselors at numerous locations during the 2018 Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15–Dec. 7.

Because Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D prescription drug plans are allowed to change the amounts of their plan deductibles, co-pays, and total out-of-pocket expenses, as well as drug formularies, each year, Medicare strongly recommends that beneficiaries compare their current plan against other plans available for 2019.

Changes made during the Annual Enrollment Period will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2019.

APPRISE counselors offer impartial assistance to Medicare beneficiaries so they can receive the most comprehensive healthcare and prescription coverage possible at the best price possible.

They also screen beneficiaries to determine eligibility for several benefit programs that can help with the costs of Medicare and prescription coverage.

If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan or a Part D prescription drug plan, you can make an appointment to meet with an APPRISE counselor during the Open Enrollment Period by contacting Lancaster County Office of Aging at (717) 299-7979, (800) 801-3070, or aging@co.lancaster.pa.us.

If you are a new Medicare beneficiary and would like to meet with a counselor for an introduction to Medicare and to enroll in secondary coverage or a prescription drug plan, you will be scheduled during a time other than one of the Open Enrollment Period appointments.

If you are unable to come to one of the following locations to have a plan comparison done, call APPRISE to have a comparison completed by an alternative method.